Pass the Flip Flops
No one appreciates a tropical vacation like a Canadian. Ocean breezes. Breaking waves. Hot sand between your toes. There’s a reason relaxation tapes draw imaginary sunbeams that embrace you like the nurturing mother you only knew in TV specials.

Let’s consider the alternative: Close your eyes. You’re lying in a pile of snow. It’s below zero and you’re wearing so many layers that you can’t sit up without undue physical exertion. You feel early frostbite begin to bite at your toes.

Cold weather vacations are not made for unwinding. You must stay active for the sake of survival – get out and play or stay inside. There’s no lounging in the winter wonderland.

But the majority of Canadians are not looking for activity in pleasure travel. According to Statistics Canada, 63 percent of vacationers ranked rest and relaxation as “highly important," compared with 48 percent looking to strengthen family-and-friendship ties and 28 percent seeking to learn and discover.